Fencing system

ABSTRACT

A fencing system includes fence rails having at least one opening therein, and fencing pickets configured to be received by the at least one opening in each of the fence rails. A fence having the same general vertical appearance from opposite sides can be formed by passing the pickets into the at least one opening on each one of the rails.

CROSS REFERENCE To RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/006,421, filed Jun. 2, 2014, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Fencing is typically constructed from posts, rails and pickets attached together using nails or screw. Typically, a number of spaced apart posts are set in the ground using concrete, the posts extending vertically therefrom. Rails extend horizontally between the posts and attach thereto using nails or screws. Pickets are then nailed or screwed to the rails such that the pickets are perpendicular to the rails. This method of installation is often labor intensive.

Other fencing uses alternative materials, i.e. vinyl, and is offered in preassembled fence panels that can be installed without having to nail individual pickets into place. This solution is expensive and does not offer the strength or durability of wood. Preassembled panels offer little to no installer flexibility and are ‘one sided,’ meaning it does not look the same on both sides.

BRIEF SUMMARY

According to one aspect of the invention, a fencing system includes a plurality of pickets having an outer profile, and a plurality of rails, each of the plurality of rails having a series of spaced openings therein with a shape sized to receive the outer profile of at least one of the plurality of pickets. A fence having the same general vertical appearance from opposite sides, with the plurality of rails extending generally horizontally in a spaced vertical relationship can be formed by passing the plurality of pickets into one of the spaced openings on each one of the plurality of rails.

According to another aspect of the invention, a fencing system includes a plurality of pickets, and a plurality of rails, each of the plurality of rails having at least one opening therein, the at least one opening having a shape configured to receive at least one of picket. A fence having the same general vertical appearance from opposite sides, with the plurality of rails extending generally horizontally in a spaced vertical relationship, can be formed by passing the at least one of picket into the at least one opening on each one of the plurality of rails.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of the fencing system according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the fencing system of FIG. 1 assembled into a fence panel according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the fencing system of FIG. 1 assembled into a fence panel according to another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is an elevation view of the fencing system being installed between two posts according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the fencing system according to an embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the fencing system of FIG. 5 assembled into a fence panel according to an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of a fencing system according an embodiment of the invention. The fencing system comprises horizontal fence rails 10 and vertical fence pickets 14. The fence rails 10 have a series of spaced openings or slots 12 cut partially or all the way through to allow the fence pickets 14 to slide through the fence rails 10 or terminate into the fence rails 10. The slots 12 cut in the fence rails 10 can be cut to fit the exact fence picket 14 size or the slots 12 can be elongated to allow the fence pickets 14 to rack horizontally to allow the fence system to be installed on uneven terrain. A variety of styles can be created using this method of manufacturing and assembly. Some fence pickets 14 will still need a single nail, through the fence rail 10, into the fence picket 14 to hold the fence picket 14 in place.

The pickets 14 can include an outer profile, with the slots 12 having a shape that is sized to receive the outer profile of the picket 14. The illustrated pickets 14 include a planar body 22 having a rectangular cross-section, with a blunt bottom end 24 and a pointed top end 26. The slots 12 on the top and bottom rails 10 are accordingly rectangular in shape to receive portions of the planar body 22, with the blunt bottom end 24 extending below the bottom rail 10 and the pointed top end 26 extending above the top rail 10. In other embodiments, the outer profile of the picket 14 may change along the length of the picket 14, such that the slot 12 in one rail 10 may have a different shape or configuration in order to receive the outer profile of the picket 14.

The illustrated slots 12 are further configured with a shape that corresponds to the outer profile of the pickets 14. In other embodiments, the slots 12 can have a more elongated shape to allow the pickets 14 to rake horizontally within the slots 12 to allow the fence to follow the grade of the surface on which the fence is installed.

The slots 12 extend through the rail 10, between a top side 32 and a bottom side 34, opposite the top side 32, thereof. The lateral sides 36 of the rail 10 will look identical from either side of the fence. The slots 12 can be disposed in the center of the rail 10 such that the pickets 14 are centered on the rails 10. Further, the slots 12 can be evenly spaced along the rails 10, such that the pickets 14 are evenly spaced from each other.

In another embodiment, a single elongated slot 12 may be routed in the rails 10 configured to receive multiple fence pickets 14 so that the fence pickets 14 may abut each other to form a continuous screen.

FIG. 2 shows the fencing system of FIG. 1 assembled into a fence panel 20 according to an embodiment of the invention. Both fence rails 10 have slots 12 (FIG. 1) cut all the way through to allow the fence pickets 14 to slide through the fence rails 10, which are in a spaced vertical relationship. In an alternate embodiment, the fence pickets 14 could terminate in one or both of the top rail 10 and bottom rail 10. The illustrated fence panel 20 is dual-sided, meaning it has the same general vertical appearance from opposite sides thereof.

FIG. 3 shows the fencing system of FIG. 1 assembled into a fence panel 30 according to another embodiment of the invention. The upper fence rail 10 has slots 12 (FIG. 1) cut all the way through to allow the fence pickets 14 to slide through the fence rails 10 and the lower fence rail 10 has slots 12 (FIG. 1) cut partially through to allow the fence pickets 14 to terminate into the lower fence rail 10. The fence panel 30 has the rails 10 in a spaced vertical relationship, and is dual-sided, meaning it has the same general vertical appearance from opposite sides thereof. The lower or bottom rail 10 has a series of slots 12 which extend into the top side 32 of the rail 10, but terminate within the rail 10, rather passing through the bottom side 34. The bottom ends 24 (FIG. 1) of the pickets 14 are received within the slots 12, and therefore may be hidden by the bottom rail 10. In an alternate embodiment, the fence pickets 14 could terminate in the top rail 10 as well.

FIG. 4 shows the fencing system being installed between two posts 16. The fence rails 10 are fastened between the posts 16 such that the slots 12 in each fence rail 10 axially align and the rails 10 are in a spaced vertical relationship. The fence pickets 14 are then inserted into the slots 12 as indicated by arrows 18. When the fence pickets 14 are in the desired position, they may be fastened to the fence rails 10 using fasteners such as screws or nails driven through the fence rails 10, slots 12 and fence pickets 14. The fence is dual-sided, meaning it has the same general vertical appearance from opposite sides thereof

The posts 16 are configured to be mounted to a ground surface 38, with the plurality of rails 10 installed there between and running generally horizontally, which may include rails 10 that run parallel to or non-parallel to the ground surface 38. The pickets 14 run generally parallel to the posts 16, or vertically relative to the ground surface 38.

The illustrated posts 16 are end posts that mark the end of a fence line. In other embodiments, one or both of the posts 16 can alternatively be a corner post at the corner where two lines of fencing meet, usually at a 90-degree angle, a gate post to which a gate is attached, a terminal post, which is a load-bearing post for a line of fencing, and/or a line post located between terminal or end posts to provide support for the fence.

FIG. 5 shows an exploded view of a fencing system according an embodiment of the invention. The illustrated fencing system comprises two horizontal fence rails 10 and a plurality of vertical fence pickets 14. The bottom rail 10 has a series of spaced openings or slots 12 cut partially through the rail 10 to allow the fence pickets 14 to terminate into the bottom rail 10. The top rail 10 has a single elongated slot 42 cut all the way through the rail 10 to allow the fence pickets 14 to slide through the fence rails 10. The single elongated slot 42 is configured to receive multiple fence pickets 14 so that the fence pickets 14 abut each other to form a continuous screen. The slots 12 in the bottom rail 10 are routed to fit the exact fence picket 14 size. Some fence pickets 14 will still need a single nail, through the fence rail 10, into the fence picket 14 to hold the fence picket 14 in place.

The illustrated pickets 14 include a planar body 44 having a rectangular cross-section, with a blunt bottom end 46 and a pointed top end 48. The lateral edges of the body 44 define mating portions that meet or closely fit with each other, so that the pickets 14 can form a privacy fence when mounted in the rails 10. A stub 50 extends from the bottom end 46 and has a shape smaller than that of the planar body 44 and which is sized to fit within one of the slots 12. The illustrated stub 50 and slot 12 can form a mortise-and-tenon-style joint between the pickets 14 and bottom rail 10, although other joints are possible, such as a dowel joint or a biscuit joint.

FIG. 6 shows the fencing system of FIG. 5 assembled into a fence panel 40 according to an embodiment of the invention. The fence panel 40 has rails 10 in a spaced vertical relationship, and is dual-sided, meaning it has the same general vertical appearance from opposite sides thereof. The pickets 14 can be assembled with the rails 10 by sliding the pickets 14 through the slot 42 in the top rail 10 and inserting the stubs 50 into the slots 12 on the bottom rails.

As used herein, a “picket” includes any generally vertical fence board or member that attaches to and spans between the rails. The pickets can include a conventional picket with a planar body having a rectangular cross-section and pointed top, as illustrated herein, or a baluster or spindle, which may have a square, rectilinear, or rounded cross-section, with or without a decorative portion between opposing ends thereof. Accordingly, the slots in the rails can have a shape corresponding to the outer portion of the picket that the slots receive.

As used herein, a “rail” includes any generally horizontal support element to which fence pickets are attached. While two rails are shown in the embodiments illustrated herein, the fencing system may include more than two rails. The fencing systems illustrated herein include two rails, with a bottom rail formed by a horizontal member running continuously along a bottom edge of the fence and a top rail formed by a horizontal member running continuously along a top edge of the fence. The bottom and top rails can be placed at the respective bottom and top edges, or may be spaced inwardly therefrom. A fencing system with more than two rails includes at least one intermediate rail, formed by a horizontal member running continuously at any point between the top and bottom rails of the fence.

For any of the embodiments discussed herein, the open spaces between adjacent pickets 14 can be decreased to form a semi-private or privacy fence. A semi-private fence has a slight spacing between the pickets 14 to allow light and air to enter a fenced area, while still offering some privacy. A privacy fence has close fitting pickets 14 arranged to form a continuous screen that block views into a fenced area.

For any of the embodiments discussed herein, the rails 10, pickets 14, and posts 16 may be formed from wood. The slots 12, whether passing through the top and bottom sides of the rail 10 or terminating within the rail 10, can be routed into the rails 10.

The embodiments of the invention provide for a number of benefits including it allows installers flexibility for fence installation, creates a unique wood fence look, reduces the number of fasteners needed, and it allows the consumer to purchase the fence and have it shipped to their home at discounted rates because they can be offered in knockdown kits. Furthermore, by running the fence pickets 14 though the slots 12 disposed in the center of the rails 10, the fence system may have the same look from both sides.

While the invention has been specifically described in connection with certain specific embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that this is by way of illustration and not of limitation. Reasonable variation and modification are possible with the scope of the foregoing disclosure and drawings without departing from the spirit of the invention which, is defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A fencing system comprising: a plurality of pickets having an outer profile; and a plurality of rails, each of the plurality of rails having a series of spaced openings therein with a shape sized to receive the outer profile of at least one of the plurality of pickets; wherein a fence having the same general vertical appearance from opposite sides, with the plurality of rails extending generally horizontally in a spaced vertical relationship, can be formed by passing the plurality of pickets into one of the spaced openings on each one of the plurality of rails.
 2. The fencing system of claim 1 and further comprising a plurality of posts configured to be mounted into a ground surface with the plurality of rails installed therebetween.
 3. The fencing system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of pickets and rails are formed of wood.
 4. The fencing system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of pickets have a rectangular cross-section and a pointed top end.
 5. The fencing system of claim 1, wherein the series of spaced openings have a shape corresponding to the outer profile of the plurality of pickets.
 6. The fencing system of claim 1, wherein the series of spaced openings have an elongated shape relative to the outer profile of the plurality of pickets.
 7. The fencing system of claim 1, wherein the series of spaced openings in at least one of the plurality of rails extend through the at least one of the plurality of rails between opposite sides thereof.
 8. The fencing system of claim 7, wherein the series of spaced openings in at least one other of the plurality of rails extend into the at least one other of the plurality of rails from one side thereof and terminate therein.
 9. The fencing system of claim 1, wherein the series of spaced openings in the plurality of rails extend through each of the plurality of rails between opposite sides of the plurality of rails.
 10. The fencing system of claim 1, wherein the series of spaced openings in at least one of the plurality of rails extend into the at least one of the plurality of rails from one side thereof and terminate therein.
 11. The fencing system of claim 1, wherein the series of spaced openings in the plurality of rails are evenly spaced along the length of the rails.
 12. The fencing system of claim 1, wherein the series of spaced openings in the plurality of rails are disposed in the center of the rails.
 13. The fencing system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of rails are formed of wood and the series of spaced openings comprise slots routed into the wood rails.
 14. A fencing system comprising: a plurality of pickets; and a plurality of rails, each of the plurality of rails having at least one opening therein, the at least one opening having a shape configured to receive at least one of the plurality of pickets; wherein a fence having the same general vertical appearance from opposite sides, with the plurality of rails extending generally horizontally in a spaced vertical relationship, can be formed by passing the at least one of the plurality of pickets into the at least one opening on each one of the plurality of rails.
 15. The fencing system of claim 14, wherein the at least one opening in at least one of the plurality of rails comprises a single elongated opening sized to receive the plurality of pickets.
 16. The fencing system of claim 15, wherein the plurality of pickets are positioned with the elongated opening in an abutting relationship to form a privacy fence.
 17. The fencing system of claim 15, wherein the elongated opening extends through the at least one of the plurality of rails between opposite sides thereof.
 18. The fencing system of claim 15, wherein the elongated opening rails extends into the at least one of the plurality of rails from one side thereof and terminates therein.
 19. The fencing system of claim 14, wherein the at least one opening in the plurality of rails is disposed in the center of the rails.
 20. The fencing system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of rails are formed of wood and the at least one opening comprises at least one slot routed into the wood rails. 